I am fixated upon seeing what is not immediately evident to the eye – concepts or themes that are hidden to the viewer.
What role has art played in your childhood and teenage years? Were there any artists or collectors in your family?
To be honest, no, my family was never very interested in art. They never brought me to museums or galleries. It was later as I grew up that my interest became more evident but it was not directly art. It began as literature. I was first interested in books and literature, then this passion grew into trying to figure out contemporary art.
For you, what is art? Your passion, profession, addiction, alternative investment?
I definitely see it as a passion. I am fixated upon seeing what is not immediately evident to the eye – concepts or themes that are hidden to the viewer. Abstraction and identity are also among my favorite subjects. But I definitely enjoy knowing or finding something out that is not obvious at first sight.
How actively do you participate in public art life? Are you a member of any art boards, institutions or networks of friends of museums?
I work with two colleagues and dear friends of mine. We have a gallery in the heart of Mexico City called Proyectos Monclova.
When did you start collecting art? Do you still remember your first purchase?
I started collecting 15 years ago. Yes I do remember the work, it was an engraved piece by Maximino Xavier, an Oaxacan artist.
How many artists are represented in your collection? How many artworks do you estimate to own?
I would say that I own approximately 150 pieces. This collection is made up of artworks by artists from both Mexico and abroad.
How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
I need to have a solid relationship with an artist when purchasing their work. I enjoy having an open dialogue with them and I think it is fundamental to listen to what the artist has to say.
What do you think about art from Mexico compared to art from different parts of the world?
Mexican art is the art of my time and the artists that live or produce art in Mexico are living the same problems and situations that I do so I feel more closely connected to these works. Now Mexico is going through a very tough phase, which results in it becoming a fertile ground for ideas and productions.
What countries are the artists in your collection from? Do you have any favorites?
Danish, American, and Mexican. In particular, I like the works of Gabriel de la Mora a lot. There is a piece called “Morir Gallo II” by Israel Meza, aka Mori which uses a similar kind of concept. It’s a powerful painting in which one cannot see what is really going on. In reality, this piece focuses on the illegal cock fights – “pelea de gallos” as we call it in Mexico. One would never guess that this is its true theme.
Which three artists from your country do you think have the most potential? Which three international artists do you think have the most potential?
Mexicans: Gabriel de la Mora, Moris, Edgardo Aragon, Terecerunquinto. Internationally, I follow: Nina Beier – Danish, Jill Maguid – American, and Christian Jankowsky – German.
What was your latest purchase?
I recently bought a piece from Fernando Ortega, a picture cut in half called “Open TV”. I also purchased a very interesting piece from Nina Beier called “What follow will follow II”, it is now one of my favorites.
What do you think could be changed about the current contemporary art scene in Mexico?
I would love to have the government more involved in acquiring important pieces of contemporary art. Also a problem which I find everywhere is that collections are losing their personal taste and their own language, they often are very similar and handle the same artists.
What is your favorite museum or gallery in Mexico?
I like Kurimanzutto and of course Proyectos Monclova, both in Mexico City.
What do you think are the challenges new contemporary artists face?
The most important thing is to be proactive and constantly contribute to the evolution of art history. It is also important to be dynamic and not stick to a formula just because it works.
